Display package



0. C. CLARK DISPLAY PACKAGE June 6, 1961 Filed Dec. 7, 1956 INVENTOR OZ z'zrer C1 Clarz ATTORNEYS BY %%Mm lv'l ml it d. (W5. Pa en 0. I

Filed Dec. 7, 1956, Ser. No. 626,985-

2 Claims. (Cl. 206-80) v The present invention relates to a novel package for stretch socks.

The packaging of stretch socks for display purposes has presented certain unique difiiculties. For instance, in an untensioned condition, the socks contract to a considerable degree thereby presenting a puckered and relatively unattractive appearance. Satisfactory labeling is also difiicult due to the tendency of the socks to contract. Additionally, stretch socks appear substantially smaller than the size or sizes for whichthey are intended. Thus, mens stretch socks appear to be childrens socks with the result that they are overlooked by customers interested in larger sizes.

Various types of display packages have been proposed for the purpose of obviating the abovementioned difiiculties. The principal object of the present invention is to provide a novel display package which obviates the abovementioned disadvantages and represents a substantial improvement over prior proposals for packaging stretch socks.

Another object of the invention is to provide a package for stretch socks which is attractive, compact, economical and otherwise highly desirable from the commercial standpoint. Otherobjects will also be apparent from the fol-lowing detailed description of the invention.

Broadly stated, a package for a pair of stretch socks according to the present invention comprises a single insert of sheet material including a leg portion, a foot portion constituting a lower extension of the leg portion, a fold line extending transversely across the insert between the leg portion and the foot portion, the insert having a length and width substantially in excess of the length and width of the socks in the unstretched condition, one of the pair of socks being stretched widthwise and lengthwise over the insert with the leg and foot portions of the sock covering the corresponding portions of the insert, the insert being sufiiciently rigid to hold the sock in the stretched condition, the insert with the sock thereon being folded about the fold line so that the foot and leg portions are superimposed, the other of the pair of socks being retained between the superimposed foot and leg portions in a folded and unstretched condition.

For a more complete understanding of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIGURE 1 shows a side elevational view of an insert according to the invention before the socks are associated therewith;

FIGURE 2 represents a side elevational view of the insert showing the manner in which a pair of socks is associated therewith;

FIGURE 3 is a side elevational view showing the insert of the present invention in the folded position;

FIGURE 4 is a side elevational view of the opposite side of the insert shown in FIGURE 3; and

FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of a completed package according to the invention.

Referring more specifically to the drawings, the display package of the present invention comprises an insert 2 of relatively stiff material, such as cardboard or the like, which can be folded easily without breaking. The insert includes a leg portion 4 and a foot portion 6 which essentially constitutes a lower extension of the leg 2,987,177. F t 4 JP?! 5 51,

portion. A fold line 8 extends transversely across the insert between the leg and foot portions.

Leg portion -4 includes a forward edge 10 and a rear edge 12 which are substantially parallel to each other. Forward edge 10 forms a straight line with a corrc sponding forward edge 14 of foot portion 6. Rear edge 12 of the leg portion is flared outwardly at the lower extremity thereof to join with a correspondingly flared portion of the rear edge 16 of foot portion 6 and forni a smooth, accurately shaped heel section 18.

The insert also includes a top extension 20 of the leg portion. Top extension 20 is reduced in width with respect to the leg portion and is provided with parallel side edges 22, same being extended outwardly to form rounded shoulders 21 with the edges 10 and 12 of leg portion 4. Rounded corners 24 may also be provided at the junctures of the side edges 22 and the top edge 26 of the insert. The bottom part of the foot portion is also rounded off to provide a suitable toe section 28. a

The manner in which the insert is used is illustrated in FIGURES 2-5. Initially, one sock S of a pair of socks is stretched over the insert in the manner shown in FIGURE 2. The width and length of the insert should be substantially greater than the width and length of the sock in its unstretched condition. Preferably, the insert is sufiicient in width and length to stretch the sock both widthwise and lengthwise to approximately the size for which the sock is intended. It will be appreciated that the insert should be sufficiently stiff or rigid to withstand the contracting tension of the sock thereon and to hold the sock in the desired stretched condition.

As shown, the top of the sock is drawn over the shoulders 21 and rounded edges 24 of the insert. This serves to retain the sock on the insert in the stretched condition. The rounded nature of the corners 24 and shoulders 21, as well as of the heel and toe sections 18 and 28, respectively, avoids any damage to the sock which might normally be caused by stretching same over sharp edges.

After one sock has been stretched over the insert, the other sock S of the pair is laid on the outside surface of the stretched sock S in a folded but unstretched condition as shown in FIGURE 2. The insert is then folded along line 8 in the manner of FIGURES 3 and 4. This serves to retain the second sock firmly between the foot and leg portions of the insert. Thereafter the package may be completed by joining together the top and bottom ends of the insert with suitable holding or labelling means 30 as shown in FIGURE 5. These means 30 may comprise a strip of paper adhesively secured to the exposed surfaces of the toe and top of the sock. Advertising matter, etc., may be printed on means 30 which, in addition to maintaining the package in its assembled condition, serves to insure against slippage of the sock S from its stretched position.

As further shown in FIGURE 5, the completed package may also include a bottom band 32 extending transversely around the insert adjacent fold line 8. This assists in maintaining sock S' in its proper position and otherwise provides a desirably compact and attractive package.

It will be appreciated that various modifications may be made in the invention described above without deviating from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims wherein I claim:

1.. A display package for a pair of stretch socks comprising a single insert of sheet material including a leg portion having substantially forward and rear edges, a foot portion constituting a lower extension of said leg portion, and separated therefrom by a transverse fold line disposed essentially at the midpoint of the longitudinal axis of the insert, said foot portion having a forward n 34 edge which forms a substantially straight line with the forward edge of said leg portion and a rear edge which forms an arcuately shaped heel portion with the rear edge ofsa-id leg portion, said insert having a length andwidth substantially in excess of the'length and width of said socks in unstretched condition, one of said socks being stretched widthwise and lengthwise-over substantially the complete insert with the leg and foot portions of said sock covering corresponding portions of said insert, said 'in-. sert being sufiiciently rigid to hold said sock in the stretched condition, the second of said socks being superimposed in an untensioned folded condition directly upon the outer surface of the stretched sock adjacent the fold line,.said insert with said sock thereon being folded about said fold line so that said foot andleg portions'are super imposed, and said second sock being firmly retained between said superimposed foot and leg portions of said stretched sock, and securing and labelling means applied across'the toe and leg portions which coincide when the insert is in the folded position and adjacent said fold line.

2. A hosiery package comprising a pair of stretchable stockings having leg and foot'portions, 'a flat insert of j relatively stiff sheet material of a shape and size corresponding to, but somewhat larger than, either of said socks in flat untensioned conditiom said insert being separated into a foot and leg portion by a folding line extending transversely of the longitudinal axis of said insert, the first sock of said pairsubstantially-totally enveloping said insert in an extended, tensio'ned condition, the second sock being superimposed directly upon the outers'urfa'ce of said first-sock in an untensioned folded condition and disposed essentially adjacent said'transverse fold, said insert being folded back upon itself to retain said second sock directly between the superimposed foot and leg .p'or- References Cited in the file of this patent UNITEDSTATES PATENTS 

